National nonprofit opens its network of mental health providers to the community affected by this senseless tragedy

Washington, D.C., Nov. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Give an Hour, a national nonprofit founded in 2005 to provide free mental health care to those in need, is opening its network of mental health professionals to the first responders, individuals, and community members affected by the mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California, at the Borderline Bar & Grill on Wednesday, November 7, 2018.

“The news of this type of tragic mass shooting often brings with it a sense of hopelessness,” said Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, Founder and President of Give an Hour. “But we must never give up hope and we must always step forward to support those who are suffering. For those whose lives have been forever changed because of this senseless act, Give an Hour providers can provide pro bono mental health support to help those in need. For those in the mental health community – in California and across the country - who want to assist those affected, we welcome you to join us.”

The Give an Hour network of 7,000 mental health providers has donated more than 265,000 hours of free care valued at more than $26.5 million since its founding. Give an Hour providers offer immediate and long-term mental health and emotional support to those in need. Founded to serve those who serve us in the military, Give an Hour has grown with the support of generous Americans and can now open its network of providers to those affected by national tragedies and man-made traumas from the Parkland shootings, to hurricanes and wildfires, to family separations, and now to the attack in Thousand Oaks.

Give an Hour has the capacity to help those experiencing trauma, loss, grief, and anxiety through its national network of volunteer mental health providers who are eager to do their part. If you have been affected by the shooting in Thousand Oaks and need emotional support, please visit: giveanhour.org.

By harnessing the skills and generosity of professionals across our nation and around the world, Give an Hour offers those who provide care the opportunity to give. If you are a licensed mental health professional interested in joining Give an Hour to provide support and care to those in need, please visit: https://giveanhour.org/give-help/licensed-provider-information/.

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About Give an Hour:

Founded by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, a psychologist in the Washington, D.C., area, Give an Hour’s mission is to develop networks of skill-based volunteer professionals capable of responding to both acute and chronic conditions prevalent within society. Since 2005, the nonprofit organization has provided free mental health services to U.S. service members, veterans, and their families. In 2015, Give an Hour expanded efforts to address the mental health needs of other populations including at-risk teens, survivors of gun violence, victims of human trafficking and those affected by natural and man-made disasters. In addition, Give an Hour is now working internationally to provide information and services to address the needs of those who are in emotional pain around the world. Through the generosity, compassion, and expertise of Give an Hour’s skilled volunteers, we are able to increase the likelihood that those in need receive the support and care they deserve. Thus far, the U.S. network of nearly 7,000 licensed mental health professionals has provided more than 265,000 hours of care and support to those in need. Learn more at www.giveanhour.org.

About the Campaign to Change Direction:

The Campaign to Change Direction, a public health initiative focused on changing the culture of mental health, encourages everyone to care for their mental well-being just as they do their physical well-being. The campaign is led by Give an Hour, a US-based nonprofit organization providing free mental health services to those in need including our military and veteran community. Change Direction addresses common barriers to understanding mental health and raises awareness about Five Signs of Emotional Suffering that may indicate someone is in emotional pain and needs help: change in personality, agitation, withdrawal, a decline in personal care, and hopelessness. Over 600 partner organizations are using their unique skills and opportunities to spread awareness. Organizations and individuals who are interested in learning more or making a pledge can visit www.changedirection.org.

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